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Brain Abscess

What is a brain abscess?

An abscess on the brain is a collection of pus that forms due to an infection or trauma. It’s still a dangerous and perhaps fatal condition. The consequences vary based on the size and location of the abscess in the brain. 

In the United States, between 1,500 and 2,500 instances occur each year. Adult men under the age of 30 are the most susceptible to brain abscesses. Children between the ages of 4 and 7 are the most likely to develop them. Newborns are also vulnerable. 

The prevalence of brain abscesses in young children has decreased as a result of vaccination campaigns.

What are the symptoms of Brain Abscess?

a headache
a fever
seizures
nausea and vomiting
confusion
drowsiness and lethargy
irritability
poor mental focus
poor responsiveness
slow thought processes
muscle weakness
weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
speech problems, such as slurred speech
poor coordination

What are the common causes of Brain Abscess?

A bacterial or fungal infection in the brain is the most common cause of a brain abscess. Parasites can also cause an abscess. 

Inflammation and swelling occur when bacteria, fungi, or parasites infect a portion of the brain. The abscess will contain infected brain cells, active and dead white blood cells, and the organisms causing the disease in these circumstances. 

A wall or membrane forms around the abscess as the cells amass. This keeps the infection isolated and prevents it from spreading to healthy tissue. When an abscess expands, it puts more pressure on the brain tissue around it. 

How is the diagnosis of Brain Abscess done?

A blood test to look for high numbers of white blood cells, which could indicate an infection.
Imaging studies, such as an MRI or CT scan, in which an abscess appears as one or more spots.
A CT-guided aspiration is a sort of needle biopsy in which a sample of pus is taken for analysis.

A doctor will review signs and symptoms and the patient’s recent medical and travel histories to diagnose a brain abscess.

What are the available treatments of Brain Abscess?

If a doctor detects a brain abscess, they will usually prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics right away because an abscess can be fatal.  The result of the treatment will depend on the size of the abscess, how many abscesses are present, the cause of the abscess, the general state of the person’s health. 

If the abscess is less than 1 inch in diameter, the patient will most likely get an intravenous antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral treatment. A doctor may, however, need to drain a minor abscess to decide which medications are appropriate. 

If an abscess is more significant than 1 inch in diameter, it will need to be aspirated, drained, or cut out by a doctor. 

If there are multiple abscesses, it may be too dangerous to remove them all. Instead, the surgeon will suggest aspiration. 

If there is increased intracranial pressure and risk of problems, a brief course of high-dose corticosteroids may help. 

What are the operations/ surgical treatments available for Brain abscess?

Contact Dr. Nitin Jagdhane for an accurate diagnosis and the best suggestions on brain abscess. 

Dr. Nitin Jagdhane is one of the best Neurosurgeon and Spine specialists for an accurate diagnosis and  treatment of brain abscess in Mumbai, India. Get in touch with Dr. Nitin Jagdhane, brain and spine specialist in Mumbai, for the best results for your brain abscess treatment.